Curriculum Guide | Key Stage 5
Curriculum Guide | Key Stage 5
12
SUBJECT: Chemistry
YEAR: 13
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT Miss E James GROUPING POLICY: Mixed Ability COURSE CONTENT: Students follow the OCR Chemistry A Specification. At A2, two units (F324 and F325) are assessed through written examinations and a third unit (F326) is assessed through internal assessment. F324: Rings, Polymers and Analysis – Written examination (15% of A2 qualification) Students study organic chemistry and some analytical techniques including NMR and gas chromatography. Aromatic chemistry, organic acids and amines are reviewed along with polymers and synthesis. F325: Equilibria, Energetics and Elements – Written examination (25% of A2 qualification) This is the main physical chemistry unit in which students study the rates of reactions, equilibrium and pH. They also look at energy changes in reactions and explore the chemistry of the transition elements. F326: Practical Skills in Chemistry 2 – Internal assessment – (10% of A2 qualification) Students conduct a series of tasks under controlled conditions which assess qualitative, quantitative and evaluative skills in chemistry. What will homework look like? Students will be expected to do wider reading, review ideas covered in class, work on chemical problems and complete exam questions at home. At the beginning of the course students are issued the specification which contains the learning outcomes for each unit of study. This should be used as a ‘checklist’ to identify misconceptions and gaps in knowledge. What enrichment opportunities are available? Teachers arrange visits and invite speakers into school. How will my child’s work be assessed? F324 and F325 will be externally assessed in June. F326 is internally assessed and externally moderated. How can I support my child in this subject? Many key chemical ideas and concepts are covered in a short period of time and it is really important that students keep up to date with classwork and homework tasks. You can support in the following ways: Help your child organise their notes/assessments in a folder and manage their time to ensure that they do not fall behind. Prompt your child to catch up on any missed lessons. Have regular conversations about what they are studying in class and if you feel that your child is struggling prompt them to seek help and support from their teachers.
Quality, Partnership, Success
Page 1
Curriculum Guide | Key Stage 5
12
How can I support my child with exams?
Encourage revision for the Pre-Public Exams (mocks) and the June examinations which must include lots of past paper practice. Past papers are available from the OCR website: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/science/chemistry_a/documents/ Encourage attendance at revision sessions.
Quality, Partnership, Success
Page 2
12
SUBJECT: Chemistry
YEAR: 13
HEAD OF DEPARTMENT Miss E James GROUPING POLICY: Mixed Ability COURSE CONTENT: Students follow the OCR Chemistry A Specification. At A2, two units (F324 and F325) are assessed through written examinations and a third unit (F326) is assessed through internal assessment. F324: Rings, Polymers and Analysis – Written examination (15% of A2 qualification) Students study organic chemistry and some analytical techniques including NMR and gas chromatography. Aromatic chemistry, organic acids and amines are reviewed along with polymers and synthesis. F325: Equilibria, Energetics and Elements – Written examination (25% of A2 qualification) This is the main physical chemistry unit in which students study the rates of reactions, equilibrium and pH. They also look at energy changes in reactions and explore the chemistry of the transition elements. F326: Practical Skills in Chemistry 2 – Internal assessment – (10% of A2 qualification) Students conduct a series of tasks under controlled conditions which assess qualitative, quantitative and evaluative skills in chemistry. What will homework look like? Students will be expected to do wider reading, review ideas covered in class, work on chemical problems and complete exam questions at home. At the beginning of the course students are issued the specification which contains the learning outcomes for each unit of study. This should be used as a ‘checklist’ to identify misconceptions and gaps in knowledge. What enrichment opportunities are available? Teachers arrange visits and invite speakers into school. How will my child’s work be assessed? F324 and F325 will be externally assessed in June. F326 is internally assessed and externally moderated. How can I support my child in this subject? Many key chemical ideas and concepts are covered in a short period of time and it is really important that students keep up to date with classwork and homework tasks. You can support in the following ways: Help your child organise their notes/assessments in a folder and manage their time to ensure that they do not fall behind. Prompt your child to catch up on any missed lessons. Have regular conversations about what they are studying in class and if you feel that your child is struggling prompt them to seek help and support from their teachers.
Quality, Partnership, Success
Page 1
Curriculum Guide | Key Stage 5
12
How can I support my child with exams?
Encourage revision for the Pre-Public Exams (mocks) and the June examinations which must include lots of past paper practice. Past papers are available from the OCR website: http://www.ocr.org.uk/qualifications/type/gce/science/chemistry_a/documents/ Encourage attendance at revision sessions.
Quality, Partnership, Success
Page 2
